Manicure and Pedicure Information

Beautifying the nails of the hands and feet dates by to the Middle Ages where the Chinese and Japanese painted their nails. Today, a licensed manicurist professional performs manicures and pedicures at a salon. The "mani-pedi" was once only available to upper class females. A mani-pedi involves the cutting, trimming, polishing, cleaning the nails, and massaging the hands and feet of a salon client. Regular manicures and pedicures are now a part of many peoples' regular beauty routines.

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Who Gets Mani-Pedis Information

In America, men make up nearly 30 percent (three out of 10) of nail and spa customers. Women are no longer the only ones going for massages and manicures. Men want groomed hands and feet as well. They are realizing that having trimmed cuticles, shapely nail beds, soft skin, and feeling good about themselves requires visiting professional salons.

Licensed Manicurists Information

Since manicurists perform services that require the use of chemicals, sharp tools, and procedures that change the nail structure, some states require that manicurists obtain licenses to protect the health and safety of the public. Before you undergo any manicure procedures, look for a posted Board of Health license.

Personal Health Protection Information

The salon must have clean working equipment and a clean work area. Manicurists must wash and sterilize all tools and instruments before they use them on customers. The manicurist must throw away items she cannot disinfect, such as nail buffers and emery boards. Non-sterilized tools and equipment can spread disease and bacteria such HIV and Hepatitis B, along with nail fungus during a manicure or pedicure. Operators are required to wash their hands between clients and should ask clients to wash their hands before the start of any procedures.

If you are diabetic, have a disease such as arteriosclerosis, or take blood-thinning medication, inform the manicurist before receiving any nail care service. If you have athlete's foot, eczema, or other similar conditions, you must tell the manicurist. Board of Health laws and regulations prohibit manicurists from working on the nails of anyone with an infectious or communicable disease. By law, she must refuse you service to protect other customers.

Duties of the Manicurist Information

Manicurists provide only manicures, pedicures, and nail extensions to clients. When a client walks into a salon, she might offer a glass of champagne, coffee, or bottled water depending on how posh the surrounds. She will clean the nails with soapy water and soften nail cuticles with water and oil. She'll trim cuticles then shape and smooth the ends of the nails. Manicurists will apply clear or colored polish to the nails or polish them using powdered polish and a buffer to make them shine without polish. Manicurists will also apply nail extensions for clients who want them.

Diseases that Can Affect Nail Health Information

Most nail fungi grow when an artificial nail lifts around the edges, allowing moisture to seep beneath it. If this occurs, have your manicurist immediately remove the artificial nail then see your doctor. Do not have the nails reapplied until your natural nails are completely healthy.